A 19-month-old boy, identified as Vinay Vishwakarma, from Bhusa Kamalpur village in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district, allegedly lost his eyesight after receiving treatment at Banda Civil Hospital on May 29, 2026. The Health Department has formed a three-member inquiry panel, while police have launched a separate investigation into the family's allegations of medical negligence. The child had been taken to the government facility for cold, cough, and redness in the eyes.

According to a complaint filed by his father, Indraj Vishwakarma, the toddler was examined after the family obtained an OPD slip and consulted the doctor on duty, identified by NDTV as pediatrician Dr. Himanshu Verma. Vishwakarma alleged that a medicine meant for respiratory symptoms was mistakenly administered into his son's eyes during treatment, after which the child's condition deteriorated within hours.

The family said the child remained at Banda Civil Hospital for nearly three to four hours as his condition continued to worsen. He was later referred to the district hospital in Sagar, where doctors reportedly advised the family to seek treatment at a higher medical centre.

The toddler was subsequently taken to AIIMS Bhopal for specialized care. According to the complaint filed by his father, Indraj Vishwakarma, doctors there told the family that his son had lost his eyesight due to incorrect medication or medical negligence. However, the inquiry committee has not yet released its findings, and officials have not confirmed the cause of the alleged injury.

Speaking through his complaint at the Banda police station, as quoted by NDTV, Vishwakarma said, "My son's life has been destroyed. He was taken to hospital for cough, cold and redness in the eyes. Now he will never be able to see."

The family has sought strict action against the doctor and hospital staff involved and has demanded a fair and impartial inquiry into the incident.

Also see: The Difference Between Medical Malpractice and General Medical Errors

The eyes are highly sensitive, and medicines intended for other uses can cause irritation or injury if they are accidentally applied to them. The extent of the damage can depend on the substance involved and how quickly medical help is given.

Doctors advise seeking immediate medical attention if a person experiences severe redness, pain, swelling, or sudden changes in vision after using any eye medication.

In the Sagar case, officials have not confirmed what substance was administered to the child. While the family alleged that a medicine meant to clear phlegm or nasal drops was put into the toddler's eyes, Sagar Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Ganga Prasad Arya said the inquiry committee would examine "what medicine was prescribed, what was actually administered, and whether any negligence occurred" before submitting its report.

Sagar Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Ganga Prasad Arya has formed a three-member committee to investigate the incident and asked it to submit its report within a week. He said the panel would review the medicines prescribed and administered to the child and determine whether any negligence occurred during treatment. Dr. Arya told NDTV that "strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty" if the inquiry establishes wrongdoing.

Block Medical Officer Yogendra Khatik told India Today that the Chief Medical and Health Officer had already constituted an inquiry committee and that further action would depend on its findings. Police are also conducting a separate investigation after the family filed a complaint against the doctor and hospital staff involved.

(Rh/TP/MSM)